Tests & Status

[jclent]

Hi Dr's, hope you are both well.

I won't bore you with all the detail as I think top-line is relvant.

I had unprotected sex with an ex and then went on to have 15 blood tests and 5 poc tests (All 4th gen AG/AB) right up to 10 months post exposure - all negative.

Due to ongoing symptoms in my ex, myself and my gf (all none specific I may add & could be atributed to exisiting health issues such as ibs etc) I have the below question.

Is there any way at all that at 10 months post exposure & with such a vast number of AG/Ab tests that I could be infected & that the tests have not picked it up?

I have used oral steroids (for sinusitus), steroid inhallers & steroid creams for excema during this period too Dr's, could this make any difference at all?

Thanks in advance Dr's :)

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the thanks.  Take care.

[jclent]

Thank you for you response Dr, you have an exceptional way with words that resonate so well.

It has been three months since my last test, I had also undegone coucelling & cbt too so I see this as just a "blip" in hiv-freeness.

Once again Dr, thank you for your words!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You're re-asking the same questions in different words.  I read your original question carefully and understand everything, including the timing of your wildly excessive HIV tests.  I already said that test results always overrule symptoms, and it doesn't matter how typical the symptoms may be for HIV.   No, I have never seen a patient -- nor even hear of one -- with long-delayed positive result with the modern HIV tests.  That's an urban myth.

There are no extenuating circumstances about HIV test type, timing, symptoms, exposure history, or anything else that have any chance of modifying my opinion or advice. Please accept the reasoned, science-based reassurance you have -- probably by your own doctors or clinics -- and move on with your life.  I would also suggest you resolve to not do any web searching of any kind about these issue for at least a year.

That will end this thread.

[jclent]

Hi Dr,

Thank you for your super-fast reply(s).

I have read clearly what you have said & also on mnay other similar posts too, I understand only too well the horror that anxiety can cause through having a hiv concern & I feel so deeply for everyone going through this right now.

Could I ask, apart from the 4th Gen AG/AB test, have you ever or is tehre ever a need for further testing at such a timescale other than teh Duo test?

I have a solid understanding of the tests incuding their optimum timings, the only one I have not done is a PCR test, - would this ever be a recomendation for someone with "symptoms" but not AG/AB detetcted?  

Having tested upto 10 months I do feel confident in my results it's just various issues in all three people concerned still linger the "negative thoughts", my ex refused a test as she claimed she had only ever had safe sex & I can't ask my current gf as the encounter with the ex (stupidly) was whist we were on a break.

I apprecaite nothing is ever 100%, even in times gone by (2nd gen tests etc) would PCR RNA tests be used to diagnose also?

Thanks is advance Dr's, your responses are trully appreciated.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

And no, your medications have no effect on test reliability.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the succinct question.  My reply is even more so.

Test results always overrule symtpms and exposure history in judging whether HIV is present.  Your test results prove you aren't infected; you can and should stop worrying about it.  There are no exceptions when testing has been done more than 6-8 weeks after exposure.

Regards HHH, MD